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Tuesday, September 2, 2014

The Mercy Fall wolves are not the typical wolves found in other books in the YA genre. In this series, after being bitten, you change based on the weather. In hot weather, you're human but once the temperature drops, you turn into a wolf. As the years go on, the number months in which you turn human and stay human become smaller and smaller until you're permanently a wolf. The series starts out with Grace, a human girl, and Sam, the wolf boy. The alluring part of this trilogy isn't just the love story between Grace and Sam, it's also about being comfortable and proud of who you are. A part of Grace has always wanted to join the wolves while Sam longs to stay human for more than a few months at a time. Any reader can find a way to connect with the characters and relate to their journey to acceptance and love. The writing is simple but elegant. Stiefvater's voice is wonderful for YA. Also, if you pick up a hard copy, the print is the color of the book!

ShiverGrace has always been fascinated with the wolves who live behind her house. She was even bit by one when she was little. In this book, she meets one of the wolves named Sam. They become desperate to keep Sam human just for a little while longer. But can there be a cure?Highlights: The romance between Grace and SamLowlights: How Grace and Sam are treated by their parents

LingerRemember when Grace was bitten? That turns out to be very important in this book. The second book in the series focuses on what it means to be bitten. New characters are also introduced.Highlights: The way Sam cares for GraceLowlights: Grace's parents' oblivion

ForeverIn the concluding book, the wolves of Mercy Falls are being hunted. Sam has to face his battles alone and he must find a way to save the wolves. Who will survive? Who will fall?Highlights: Grace and Sam's reunionLowlights: The trilogy comes to an endRecommendations: Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater- spin-off featuring Cole and IsabelThe Immortals by Alyson Noel- immortals, powerful love storyDivergent by Veronica Roth- love story AND strong female lead character

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Dystopian societies continue to reign the Young Adult genre with the highly praised Divergent series. Beatrice discovers that her mind can't be controlled, which makes her a target in society. The high point of the series is that while Tris does have a love interest and great friends, she learns how to defend herself. She has her own opinions and she is willing to fight for them. The strong heroine in this series encourages readers to become strong as well. The first two books in the series builds up only to be let down in the last installment. The third book makes the series seem pointless within the first 100 pages, although it continues on for 400 more pages. As a whole, the books encourage young women to become strong and understand the meaning of sacrifice and love.

DivergentBeatrice Prior takes a test that is supposed to tell her what future to choose. However, the test fails because Beatrice is different. She is able to choose her path but in this society, being able to choose is bad. Beatrice changes her name to Tris and hopes to hide the truth about what she can do.

Highlights: Transformation from Beatrice to TrisLowlights: Violence, rejectionInsurgentTris struggles to deal with the deaths of those close to her that were inadvertently caused by her. She also learns that there are more people like her and Jeanine Matthews is determined to destroy them all.Highlights: A new familyLowlights: Betrayal

AllegiantTris and the others finally go beyond the wall and learn the truth about the rest of the world. Tobias struggles to learn about science and how it relates to your decisions and actions.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

The Hunger Games trilogy was one of the first series that brought dystopian societies back into the conversation since The Giver. The series centers around Katniss, a teenager who volunteers herself in the place of her sister during the annual Hunger Games. However, Katniss proves to be a strong competitor and soon, she has most of the districts standing behind her. Although the series has the usual rebellion against the government and a love triangle, the main theme of the books is family. Katniss would do anything for her sister and this bond is what drives her to do right. The character of Katniss also grows to have confidence in herself throughout the series. For these reasons, the series has proven to be a good influence on young adult readers. Overall, the writing is easy for all levels of readers to understand and the descriptions throughout the series easily allow readers to immerse themselves in this world.

The Hunger GamesKatniss volunteers herself in the place of her sister. The other chosen tribute from her district is Peeta, a boy that she knows and has history with. During the Games, she must partner with him in order to go home.Highlights: The cave sceneLowlights: Goodbye to Rue

Catching FireIn the Quarter Quell, Katniss and Peeta are forced to go back to the arena. This time, they face other victors. Katniss wants to make sure Peeta wins but everyone else has another agenda.Highlights: The beach sceneLowlights: Peeta's selflessness

MockingjayDistrict 12 is gone but District 13 provides a new home for the survivors. Katniss must become the leader of the rebellion. Peeta returns but he is changed. War erupts and Katniss will do what she can to fight.Highlights: Katniss as a leaderLowlights: The bombingRecommendations:The Giver by Lois Lowry- the first dystopian novelDivergent by Veronica Roth- dystopian setting, strong heroine

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

The Twilight series challenged everything readers thought they knew about vampires. The books focus on the romance between Bella Swan, a human girl, and Edward Cullen, a century old vampire. The alluring part of the series is that behind the romance and the love triangle that develops, Bella has to come to terms with who she wants to be in the future in order to truly love someone. Of course there are parts that are dramatic and overdone but the writing is simple and easy to read. The series became a movie phenomenon and inspired a lot of fan fiction. Although mainstream media has taken over the series, it was a turning point in young adult culture. New readers became interested in the young adult genre and books about the supernatural began to receive more publicity than ever.

TwilightBella, the new girl, catches Edward Cullen's attention. They become obsessed with one another and Edward reveals his secret: he's a vampire. A forbidden romance develops.Highlights: Portland rescue, promLowlights: Hunter vampires

New MoonNo matter how they feel, Bella can't change that she's human. Jacob steps up to help Bella fix her broken heart. However, Jacob has his own destiny that he can't escape from.Highlights: Motorcycles, new beginningsLowlights: The despair of heart-break

EclipseBella is in love with two boys and neither of them is human. By choosing one, she will decide the path for her future. A familiar vampire reappears, threatening Bella's life.Highlights: TentsLowlights: The silent treatment

Breaking DawnBella has chosen her life and she can't wait to start living it. However, something derails her: a baby. A half-human half-vampire baby is supposed to be impossible. Once word gets out, the vampire world feels threatened. Will the Cullen clan be wiped out as a result? Will there be a happy ending?Highlights: The wedding, a piece of forever

Lowlights: Melodramatic fights

Recommendations:Dracula by Bram Stoker- the original vampire
The Shiver Trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater- werewolvesVampire Academy by Richelle Mead- teenage vampires

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Everyone is familiar with the Boy Who Lived. Harry Potter has been a cult classic since the first book was released in the U.K. in 1997. The series follows Harry, an orphan that discovers he is a wizard and a very important one at that. The Wizarding World has been a quiet place since Harry defeated Lord Voldemort but there are always rumors of his return. What makes this series great is the fact that every reader can connect to Harry on some level, whether it's through his journey to find meaning in the death of his parents or struggling to understand friendship. Although it's been ten years since the last book was published, it's clear that the series will continue to live on.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry learns that he's a wizard and he begins attending the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry makes friends with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Not everyone is excited to have him there.

Highlights: Friendships, Quidditch

Lowlights: The Dursleys, going home

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Hogwarts feels like home but Harry receives messages that he shouldn't be there. He learns that he can talk to snakes, a skill that dark wizards possess. Could this skill be used for good?

Highlights: Dobby the house elf

Lowlights: Arrogant teachers

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry learns more about his parents through their friends. One becomes a professor at Hogwarts and the other, an accused murderer, escapes from prison. Harry realizes that his past is more complicated than it seemed.

Highlights: Patronus Charms

Lowlights: Dementors

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Two wizarding schools arrive to participate in the Triwizard Tournament. Harry is content to watch but his name is drawn and he must compete. The games turn out to be a cover-up for more.

Highlights: Hermione's romance

Lowlights: Harry and Ron's fight

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
No one believes it when Harry says that Lord Voldemort is back. Even Harry's mentor, Dumbledore, avoids him. Harry struggles to deal with qualities he shares with Voldemort and he discovers how he's connected to Voldemort.

Highlights: Secret societies, the prophecy

Lowlights: Professor Umbridge

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry is back in Dumbledore's good graces as they learn as much as possible about Voldemort. Harry finds a book that helps him excel in Potions Class but leaves him wondering who the owner was.

Highlights: Quality time with Dumbledore

Lowlights: The ending

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Harry, Ron, and Hermione team up to destroy horcruxes. Harry struggles to accept Dumbledore's past and he discovers a different side of someone he thought he knew. Harry also learns what it means to live and to die.

Highlights: Friendship, love

Lowlights: The struggle of grief

Recommendations:The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith- written by J.K. Rowling, for an older audienceThe Lord of the Rings by J.R. Tolkien- fantasy, 3 volumes

Monday, July 21, 2014

Hello readers! This blog is dedicated to reviewing young adult books. The first few posts will be about popular series in the young adult genre but I will also cover stand alone books.
Keep checking for reviews to be posted soon!